Mistakenly Yours: Contract Marriage With The Billionaire-Chapter 116: Difficult to please

Chapter 116: Difficult to please
The next morning, Sara woke up at her usual time, but Luca was still in a deep slumber beside her. She recalled how wistfully he had spoken of his grandfather last night, but had ultimately refused to share any details about the bittersweet memories.
She stepped out of the bathroom, lowered the towel onto the chair, and let her gaze linger affectionately on Luca. Lowering herself onto the vanity chair, she quickly applied her moisturizer and then quietly slipped out of the room, deciding to let Luca sleep for a little while longer.
As she came downstairs, she saw that the servants were already busy, diligently cleaning the living room.
Stopping at the bottom of the stairs, she paused a maid and asked about her hosts, Vinni and Michael.
"Sir and Madam are in the garden, Madam," the maid replied respectfully.
"Thank you," Sara said, offering her a small smile before walking away towards the garden entrance.
Sara entered the garden and saw her in-laws seated comfortably on a garden couch, engaged in a quiet discussion over tea.
"Good morning, Mother, Father," Sara greeted them warmly, bringing their attention her way.
"Sara!" Michael’s eyes lit up with immediate welcome. "Good morning. Please, take a seat," he said immediately, gesturing to the chair across from them.
Sara lowered herself into the chair, and a servant instantly stepped up to serve her a cup of green tea.
"You and Luca slept late, didn’t you?" Vinni asked gently.
"Yes, Mother. Since we slept a bit in the day, we thought to take a long stroll in the garden last night," Sara answered. "At the moment, he’s still sleeping, and I decided not to disturb his rest."
"You did right," Vinni stated with a nod of approval.
"We are glad that you are safe," Michael began, his tone turning noticeably serious and worrying. "We saw the video released about the attack. Some witnesses mentioned that the attacker specifically wanted to harm you."
"The police didn’t come to ask you yesterday, as we wanted complete privacy for your recovery," Vinni explained gently. "But today, the officers may come to ask you a few questions regarding the incident."
Sara’s grip around the delicate teacup tightened subtly as a strange feeling settled over her. Who could possibly be wanting to kill her?
"I think it could be someone who is an enemy of Luca’s," Michael stated. "His mafia business is unfortunately the reason for all of this." He lowered his cup onto the table before leaning back on the couch.
"They often attack the person closest to you as a point of leverage. And you are his wife." Michael then looked at Sara pointedly. "Do you think you don’t want to stop your husband from continuing that kind of business? Sara, he listens to you. I mentioned that before."
"Yes, Father mentioned it earlier. However, I think Luca is staying as a mafia because of some underlying reason," Sara said, wanting to explain but unable to articulate the complexities she sensed about Luca’s life.
Just then, the house butler cleared his throat, grabbing all of their attention.
"Ms. Sara’s father is here," the butler announced.
"What?" Sara gasped, clearly shocked to hear this news, instantly confused about how her father knew she was here.
Both Michael and Vinni exchanged quick, meaningful glances with each other.
"Bring him to the living room," Michael ordered the butler, who bowed and walked away. Michael turned his attention back to Sara. "You look troubled," he remarked. "As a father myself, I would advise you to give a chance to your father. Sometimes, we do things for the betterment of our kids. Indeed, our ways are harsh, but they don’t carry any ill-intention. Now, we shall go to the living room."
He rose to his feet and walked ahead, leaving Sara and Vinni behind him.
"Let’s go, dear," Vinni said softly, standing up.
Sara quickly set her cup on the table and followed Vinni, her heart pounding with apprehension, toward the living room. As soon as her eyes landed on Adam, a deep frown immediately appeared on her forehead, a clear sign of her unresolved hurt.
"Adam, it’s been long since we both have seen each other like this," Michael said, extending a hand toward him. "Now that we are in-laws, let’s forget the bitterness from the past and move forward."
Adam, with forced humility, shook hands with Michael. "You’re right. Thank you for allowing me in. I heard about Luca being injured. I wanted to come last night, but I thought it would be a disturbance for you all." His eyes finally stopped, landing squarely on his daughter, who was standing stiffly next to Vinni.
Adam had already pulled back his hand from Michael’s grasp as he fully turned his attention to Sara.
"Dad," she greeted him with a half-hearted look, nevertheless walking toward him.
"How have you been, my dear?" Adam asked, his gaze settling on her, instantly noticing the worry lingering in his daughter’s eyes.
"I’ve been fine," Sara replied briefly.
Vinni sensed the palpable awkwardness hanging between the two of them.
"We will leave both of you here for your conversation," Vinni stated firmly, glancing pointedly at Michael, who immediately understood her intention.
"No, it’s fine. Please don’t—" Sara couldn’t finish her protest as Vinni cut her off gently.
"You need to talk to your father in private," Vinni asserted, and then gracefully left the living room with Michael.
"I brought this for Luca," Adam said, setting down a basket. "Is his injury serious? And, you... You didn’t get hurt anywhere, right?" Adam questioned anxiously, already reaching out to check his daughter’s arms and hands.
"I am fine, thankfully," Sara said. "Please take a seat." She motioned toward an upholstered armchair, and she sat across from him on the matching chair. She looked at the fruit basket that her father had brought, along with a bouquet intended for Luca.
"How did it happen?" Adam stated, his voice heavy with concern. "I heard the attack was actually intended for you."
"I don’t know the details. The investigation is still going on," Sara answered, avoiding eye contact. "Why did you come here, Dad? I thought I was clear last time we spoke. I don’t want to be a part of—"
"Forgive your father," Adam finally said, not letting her finish her rejection. He looked defeated. "I neglected what you were going through in my own house. I genuinely thought Marcella would treat you as her own child. I wish I could have seen all of that before."
He paused, his eyes reflecting old pain. "And I didn’t use to talk to you because you reminded me so much of your mother, my first wife. I loved her deeply, and it always made me wonder why she had to leave me behind. I was engrossed in my own sorrow, and the work couldn’t be neglected." He took a deep, shaky breath. "I found Marcella then, but I failed to understand that you needed me the most. I became a terrible father for you until the very end. So, please try to forgive me, Sara."
Sara remained silent for a long moment, the confession hanging heavily in the air. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, choked with emotion. "I can’t forgive you, Dad."
Sara’s eyes immediately brimmed with tears, but she quickly wiped them away before they could fall.
"Mr. Falcone, good morning," Luca’s voice rang through the living room, sounding cheerful and steady.
Both Sara and Adam tilted their heads toward the staircase and saw Luca descending, dressed but clearly moving carefully. Sara was quick to leave her seat and rush toward him, while Adam stood up slowly.
Luca approached them and stopped right by Sara’s side, his presence instantly comforting. "Are these for me?" he asked easily, glancing at the bouquet and the fruit basket.
"Yes. How are you? Your arm?" Adam asked, worry in his tone.
"Better," Luca answered. He then looked pointedly at Sara, then back at his father-in-law. "I must say, you have quite the way of winning the heart of your daughter. She’s difficult to please." A flicker of amusement and knowing protection crossed his eyes.
"Dad, since you’ve seen Luca, I think you should go," Sara stated firmly, taking Luca’s arm. Her conversation with her father was over, and the emotional exhaustion was setting in.
"I have to tell you something more," Adam said quickly, swallowing slightly. He was clearly struggling with how to break the news of Gloria’s return to Sara, especially given her fragile state.
"What is it?" Sara asked, impatience coloring her voice. "If you want my help for the company, then I am sorry, I won’t do anything."
"No, it’s not about the company," Adam insisted.
"Then?" Sara pressed.
"It’s about your mother," Adam finally revealed, his voice low. "She’s searching for you and actually came to the house last night asking for your contact information."
"What? Why would she—" Sara sputtered, unable to finish the sentence. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard; the mother who abandoned her was suddenly asking for her.